Slip & Fall at Publix or Target in Leon County: What to Do
Read Time: 4 minutes
A slip and fall can happen when you least expect it—one moment you’re shopping for groceries or household essentials, and the next you’re on the ground, in pain, and unsure what to do. Slip and fall accidents at large retail stores like Publix or Target are more common than many people realize, and they can result in serious injuries that lead to medical bills, missed work, and lasting pain.
If you’ve been injured in a Publix slip and fall in Tallahassee or suffered a Target slip accident in Leon County, it’s important to know what steps to take next to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Here’s a full breakdown of what you should know and do after a slip and fall in a major retail store.
Common Causes of Slip & Falls at Big Retail Stores
Slip and fall accidents happen for many reasons, but in retail settings like Publix or Target, most incidents are preventable. These stores have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for their customers, but when employees overlook hazards, accidents occur.
Common causes include:
Wet or recently mopped floors without proper warning signs.
Spilled liquids or food in aisles or near refrigerated sections.
Leaking coolers or freezers that create hidden puddles.
Fallen products or debris on the floor.
Uneven or cracked flooring in parking lots or entrances.
Rainwater accumulation near entrances during storms.
Poor lighting that makes hazards harder to see.
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause severe injuries such as fractures, concussions, or back injuries—especially for older adults. Stores like Publix and Target are expected to regularly inspect and clean their premises, promptly fix hazards, and warn customers of potential dangers.
Florida Premises Liability Law (Duty of Care)
Under Florida premises liability law, business owners owe a duty of care to keep their property safe for lawful visitors, including customers. This means that stores like Publix or Target in Leon County must take reasonable steps to prevent slip and fall accidents.
To win a premises liability case, you (the injured person) generally must prove:
The property owner or employee had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition.
The hazard existed long enough that it should have been discovered through regular maintenance or inspection.
The store failed to take reasonable steps to correct the condition or warn customers.
You suffered damages (such as medical costs, pain, or lost wages) as a result of the fall.
This is outlined in Florida Statute §768.0755, which specifically governs slip and fall accidents involving “transitory foreign substances” — things like water, oil, or spilled food. In other words, if you slipped on a substance at Publix or Target, you must show that the store either knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t act fast enough to fix it.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip & Fall
The moments after a slip and fall can be confusing and painful. However, what you do right away can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Here’s what to do:
Stay calm and assess your injuries. If you’re hurt, try not to move too quickly—falls can cause hidden injuries like fractures or head trauma.
Report the accident to a store manager immediately. Make sure the incident is documented.
Take photos and videos of the scene, including any spills, debris, or hazards that caused your fall.
Get contact information from witnesses who saw what happened.
Avoid giving detailed statements or signing anything before speaking with a lawyer. Stores and insurers may try to use your statements to minimize your claim.
Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel seriously injured—some symptoms take time to appear.
Contact a Leon County slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you preserve evidence and deal with insurance adjusters.
How to Report an Incident at Publix or Target
Both Publix and Target have specific procedures for reporting in-store injuries. After your fall, ask to speak with a manager on duty and file an official incident report. Be sure to include:
The exact location of the fall (e.g., “Frozen foods aisle near cooler #3”).
Time and date of the incident.
Description of the hazard (e.g., spilled milk, wet floor with no sign).
Names of any employees or witnesses present.
Always request a copy of the incident report or take a photo of it before leaving the store. This report is critical evidence for your claim. Avoid signing anything that waives your rights or downplays your injuries.
Medical Care & Documentation
Your health should be your top priority after a slip and fall accident. Even if you only feel sore, see a doctor right away. Falls can cause soft-tissue injuries, spinal issues, or concussions that worsen over time.
To strengthen your claim:
Keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments.
Save receipts for prescriptions, physical therapy, or medical equipment.
Follow all medical advice—failing to do so can be used against you by insurance adjusters.
Write down your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily life.
The insurance company will likely try to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that they weren’t caused by the fall. Thorough medical documentation is the best way to prove otherwise.
Compensation You May Recover
If your fall resulted from negligence at Publix or Target, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida law. Depending on the details of your case, you can recover damages for:
Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, therapy, medications).
Lost wages from missed work.
Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress.
Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to medical appointments.
Future medical care, if ongoing treatment is needed.
Every case is unique, and compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and the store’s level of negligence. A skilled Leon County Personal Injury lawyer can evaluate your case and pursue the full amount you’re entitled to.
Why a Leon County Lawyer Helps with These Cases
Large corporations like Publix and Target have strong legal teams and insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They may argue that you were distracted, wearing the wrong shoes, or somehow at fault for your fall.
That’s why having an experienced Personal Injury lawyer in Leon County is critical. An attorney can:
Investigate the incident and gather evidence before it disappears.
Obtain surveillance footage, employee reports, and cleaning logs.
Handle communications with the store and insurance company.
Negotiate for a fair settlement—or take the case to court if needed.
Ensure all deadlines and legal requirements are met.
A lawyer’s goal is to protect your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. At Betancur Legal Group, we handle cases like these regularly and fight to hold negligent property owners accountable.
FAQ: How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Case in Florida?
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline was shortened in 2023 by HB 837, which reduced the previous four-year limit.
If you miss this two-year window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact Betancur Legal Group Today
If you slipped and fell at Publix, Target, or another retail store in Leon County, don’t try to handle the aftermath alone. These cases require quick action and detailed investigation to prove negligence and secure fair compensation.
At Betancur Legal Group, we help clients throughout Tallahassee and Leon County recover damages after serious slip and fall injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help you take the next step toward recovery and justice.
